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| Advice Exchange |
| Getting a New Dog |
| Suggested topics in this subject: |
- How can I help my new dog be comfortable in his new home?
- Will an older dog accept a new dog into the family?
Feel free to respond to other topics besides these, and please suggest additional topics. |
| Advice from visitors: |
| Send Advice | Hi Roscoe,
I just got a new dog from the SPCA this weekend. He is a 2 year old Queensland Heeler who has been at the SPCA for several months. He seems very nervous now that he is at our house. We are giving him lots of love and some nice toys. How long will it take him to get comfortable in his new home?
Your Friend,
Mary Ann |
| Send Advice | Hi Mary Ann!
I'm not Roscoe, but I thought maybe I could help with your question.
The time it takes for your dog to adjust depends on what kind of circumstances he has been in before coming to your home. Right now he is probably nervous because he is wondering if you will love him more than whoever sent him to the pound. When we got our newest dog, he was skittish and afraid. I just sat with him in the backyard for awhile and waited for him to come to me, so he would know that he was free to run around and that I wouldn't hurt him. After a little while he came to sniff my hand and played with the toys I left on the lawn, and eventually we became good friends. He got to see that I would feed him and care for him, and then he wasn't afraid anymore. Your dog will calm down as soon as he is ready. Until then, enjoy watching him explore his new surroundings!
I think pound puppies like yours are the best, so congratulations on your new pet!
Addie |
| Send Advice | Roscoe,
I just introduced a new 7 week old puppy to my 11 year old dog and to our home over the weekend. My older dog is not very happy about the new puppy. He has snapped at her a few times and has just been in a generally bad mood for the last five days. Any advice as to how I can help the two dogs bond? Also, my older dog may still be mourning the loss of his sister that occurred last month.
Thanks!
Desiree
Dear Desiree,
It sounds like you have a tough problem on your hands, but there could be an easy solution. It is mostly confidence and dominance issues. Even with only 2 dogs they are still a "pack" and your older dog may be unclear on his position now. If you are not clear on that concept then some good information is on this page: http://www.doggiedoor.com/twodogs.shtml.
If you are willing to spend a little time on it you should be able to help your dogs establish a proper and happy relationship. Some good advice to follow is on this page: http://www.doggiedoor.com/doghouse/twodogs3.htm#DogPuppy.
I hope this works out for you and your dogs.
Your pal,
Roscoe |
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